Jason Dundas tucked his surfboard under his arm and headed for Quobba Station on the southern tip of the Ningaloo Reef Marine Park, north of Carnarvon, half-way along the Western Australian coast.
The 75,000 hectare Quobba Station was established in 1898 and some of the original cottages surround the homestead. There's the blacksmith workshop, stables, overseer's residence, garage and jackaroos' quarters.
The surfing circuit pointed Jason towards the working pastoral property which has 80km of raw and rugged Indian Ocean coastline and the promise of uncharted waves.
Visitors are rewarded with stunning scenery where the desert hits the coast. Migrating whales rest there between April and August, and there's no shortage of other animal life — including turtles, dolphins, manta rays, kangaroos, bungarras, ospreys, emus and native goats. Just pack the 4WD with supplies, let someone know where you are heading and away you go on the adventure of a lifetime.
Quobba is run by the Meecham family who have hosted fishing fanatics for more than 40 years. Deep water means fish come almost to the homestead's doorstep allowing land-based game fishing. There's also plenty of rewarding snorkelling spots and isolated beaches to enjoy.
The Station Store has grocery items, ice, bait, tackle and some Quobba souvenirs. They also offer freezing facilities.
Accommodation ranges from camping to palm frond humpies, fishing shacks, chalets, shearing quarters and luxury eco-safari tents on top of the Red Bluff cliffs.
Red Bluff is about 60km north of the homestead and is where surfers are challenged by the Bluff Barrel, a cracking left-hand break.
Take time to visit the HMAS Sydney Memorial Cairn dedicated to the 645 Australian seamen who perished on November 19, 1941 during HMAS Sydney's battle with the German raider, Kormoran.
The best time to visit is between April and October.
Location
Red Bluff is 130km north of Carnarvon and 1000km north of Perth in Western Australia.
Cost
Camping costs $10 per person a night and $2 for children. Humpies are $20 per person a night and $2 for children. Seascape Bungalows start at $55 a night and $35 per child. They are BYO linen. Ocean View Retreats start at $250 for twin accommodation per night with a two-night minimum stay, $70 for extra adults and $50 per child. Linen and sparkling wine are included. Prices quoted are for the low season.
Prices correct at 3 December, 2009.
For further information
Quobba Station
PO Box 708
Carnarvon 6701
Ph: (08) 9948 5001
Fax: (08) 9948 5001
www.quobba.com.au
bluffbliss@hotmail.com
Carnarvon Visitor Centre
Civic Centre
11 Robinson Street,
Carnarvon 6701
Ph: (08) 9941 1146
Fax: (08) 9941 1149
www.carnarvon.org.au
info@carnarvon.org.au
Coral Coast
www.australiascoralcoast.com
